Last month, LSV joined GoodSAM, a community of ‘Good Samaritans’ signed up to respond to a cardiac arrest if they are the closest person to the emergency. Ambulance Victoria has introduced the GoodSAM app to Victoria, and has partnered with LSV, Country Fire Authority (CFA), St John Ambulance and Chevra Hatzolah to build a community of ‘trusted responders’.

The app works on the premise that you never know how close you are to an off-duty lifesaver, doctor, nurse, paramedic or other member of the emergency services who are trained in first aid – and the knowledge of their close proximity to help can save lives when minutes count.

“GoodSAM also gives our skilled volunteers the opportunity to make a real difference in their local communities away from the beach, where they can apply their lifesaving training,” says Greg Scott, LSV Operations Manager. “We’re proud to be a trusted partner with Ambulance Victoria and see this as a project that has and will save lives.”

From the London Ambulance Service to the recent Victorian launch, the system is working with ambulance services around the world in over 30 countries, as well as in parts of Africa where there is no ambulance service.

As one GoodSAM reviewer commented:
“What an amazing idea! I have a responder two doors down from me, which I never knew, and I have children, so always good to have someone close.”

When someone has a medical emergency or a traumatic event that affects heart function or ability to breathe, seconds count. It’s critical they receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR – chest compressions and rescue breaths) and defibrillation in the first three to four minutes.

Following a Triple Zero call (000), the app alerts nearby trusted responders, giving them the location of the patient and also the location of the nearest available defibrillator (AED).

The closest available ambulance is simultaneously sent to the patient, and in some parts of Victoria the fire brigade is also dispatched. Meanwhile, the GoodSAM responder can provide CPR and, if possible, make use of the nearest available defibrillator – giving the patient a greater chance of survival.

Ambulance Victoria is encouraging owners of AEDs, including schools, public facilities and sporting clubs, to register their AEDs on its public registry at ambulance.vic.gov.au/register. The location of nearby AEDs is provided through GoodSAM in cardiac arrest events.

Who can Apply

If you’re over 18 and have a current Advanced Resuscitation Technique (AID) award, you will be able download the app and apply to become a GoodSAM responder. LSV will be providing more information about the process and how to apply through the Club Mail circulars in the very near future.